The Messenger Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church Volume 66, No. 3
March 2020
Mar 1 Parish Hall Forum, 9:15 a.m. Reconciliation: Love As The Most Powerful Force Of Change In The World with The Rev. Becca Stevens. She will also preach at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services. Mar 22 Parish Hall Forum, 9:15 a.m. Reconciliation: Lynching Sites Project Memphis with John Ashworth, Executive Director Mar 29 Parish Hall Forum, 9:15 a.m. Reconciliation: Building Compassion and Resilience in Beloved Community: A Conversation with Dr. Susan Campbell on the Methodologies of Dr. BrenĂŠ Brown Mar 29 Retreat, 12-4 p.m. Wholehearted Parenting: Raising Compassionate, Resilient Children in Beloved Community with Susan Campbell (details p. 6)
Worship & Fellowship
SUNDAY 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist 8:45 a.m. Community Breakfast 9:15 a.m. Christian Formation Classes 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 11:45 a.m. Coffee Hour 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist Nursery available 7:30 a.m. 'til end of 10:30 service WEDNESDAY Noon in the Chapel 30-minute service without music
Parish Office Hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Friday
Clergy on Call for Pastoral & Hospital Emergencies
Inside This Issue Altar Gifts.........................11 Athletics............................ 9 Book Group....................... 4 Calendar Highlights............12 Christian Formation......... 6-7 Diocesan eCommunicator...12 Gift to Garden Guild............ 3 GSL Ministry Areas............. 4 Heart & Hands................... 4 Holy Baptism....................11 Lenten Resources..............12 Looking Towards Sunday....11
Lost and Found.................12 Men's Morning Fellowship.... 4 Message from the Rector..... 3 Message from Sr. Warden.... 5 Outreach Ministry............ 7-8 Privacy Policy....................11 Realm Connect................... 5 School News.....................10 Social Justice Team............. 5 Vision Statement................ 3 Wednesday Lunch............... 4 Youth News....................... 9
901-252-6334
Parish Clergy & Staff
www.gracestlukes.org/welcome/clergy-and-staff The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector The Rev. Anne S. Carrière, Interim Associate Rector The Rev. Meredith Jane Day, Curate Christi Authement, Athletics Director Sharon Campbell, Director of Children’s Formation Addison Combs, Youth Formation Associate Abby Huber, Receptionist & Ministry Associate Chapman Morrow, Stewardship Associate Lucy Owens, Communications Administrator Dr. Patrick A. Scott, Director of Music & Organist Debbie Smith, Assistant Organist-Choirmaster Linda Stine, Parish Administrator Darling “D” Thomas, Lead Facilities Assistant Amzie Williams, Director of Youth Formation
On the cover: Upcoming Parish Hall Forum Speakers
The Messenger deadline for April is March 15, 9 a.m. Please send your articles to Lucy at lowens@gracestlukes.org.
Look for GRACESTLUKES in cyberspace. facebook.com/gracestlukes twitter.com/gracestlukes instagram.com/gracestlukes
pinterest.com/gracestlukes flickr.com/gracestlukes youtube.com/gracestlukes
2020 Vestry & Treasurer
www.gracestlukes.org/vestry Grant Adams (Worship & Liturgy), Jimpsie Ayres (Congregational Development), Wight Boggs (Clerk, Fellowship), Patrick Burnett (Youth Formation), Nina Callan (Pastoral Care), Ben Cowan (Children’s Formation), Mike Davis (Athletics), Jim Greer (Worship & Liturgy), Sandra Ireland (Adult Formation), Jonathan Large (Outreach), Stinson Liles (Social Justice), Charlie Pazar (Jr. Warden, Property, Stewardship), Anna Robbins (Congregational Development), Tom Stephenson (Stewardship), Bev Trojan (Treasurer), Simon Wadsworth (Sr. Warden, Administration & Communications, Stewardship)
Missing your weekly eNews? Check your spam folders! We have switched to an email service, MailChimp, to send out our eblasts. If you are not getting eNews emails, they are most likely going to your spam or junk folder. Be sure to add gsl@gracestlukes.org to your address book. Need help getting them to NOT go in your spam folder? Contact Lucy Owens, 901-272-7425 or lowens@gracestlukes.org.
Support Groups at GSL
GRACESTLUKES Mobile App
AA meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous: Sundays, 8 p.m. CoDA: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: Thursdays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at noon
GSL's mobile app is available for download in the Android and Apple Stores. The app is an effective way for the church to communicate with you and for you to stay connected with the church. The app is packed with resources such as Sunday's readings and the daily office, church events and news, the pastoral care request form, links to clergy and staff emails, photo capture tools, and more. Best of all, we can alert you to extra special happenings and cancellations via the app's push notifications system. You can download the app in the following ways: Search for GRACESTLUKES in the iTunes/Google Play stores. Follow this link: www.gracestlukes.org/app.
For more info, contact Lucy Owens in the church office lowens@gracestlukes.org or 901-272-7425.
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GSL eNews
Slowing Down Together The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector
Lent is a time to slow down together. Since childhood, I actually have enjoyed the strangeness and power of this season, which often runs from winter to spring. It is a time for Christians at and beyond Grace-St. Luke’s to consider, more intentionally, just who and whose we are as beloved children of God, all by slowing down. Fortunately, the Church year calendar blesses us with the long purposeful period of Ash Wednesday, February 26, through the Saturday in the Fifth Week in Lent, April 4, to engage this opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. The Book of Common Prayer (p. 265) sketches examples of what it means for us to participate in the observance of a holy Lent: self-examination and repentance; prayer, fasting, and self-denial; reading and meditating on God's holy Word. Any and all of these choices definitely will inform spiritual growth and transformation, which are a journey, if not our life work. Lent 2020 is bound to be a rich experience from our slowing down for some combination of participating in any of the Prayer Book’s examples, weekly worship on Sunday (8 and 10:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.) or Wednesday (noon), weekly formation on Sunday (9:15-10:10 a.m.) or Wednesday (6-7:30 p.m.), and daily time with one or both of GSL’s two daily meditation options for Lent: Signs of Life: Why Church Matters (SignsofLife.org) and Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lenten Meditations (episcopalrelief.org). Pickup your personal or household copy from the public spaces at GSL or access them online. Slowing down together reminds me of a poem by Wilfred A. Peterson introduced to me during my years as the Episcopal campus minister at the University of Mississippi and assistant to the rector at St. Peter’s Church in Oxford, Mississippi. Before entering the worship space there,
our community would see and meditate on these words, especially if we stopped long enough to pay attention to them. May they encourage us in life at GSL, this Lent and beyond. “Slow me down, Lord.” Slow me down, Lord. Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal march of time. Give me amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the eternal hills. | Break the tension of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep. | Teach me the art of taking MINUTE vacations, of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines of a good book. | Slow me down, Lord and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny. Slow me down… Godspeed and blessings as we try, – The Reverend Ollie V. Rencher, Rector
Gift to the Garden Guild Fund Grace-St. Luke’s is so grateful to have received a generous gift to our Garden Guild Fund in loving memory of Katherine Hinds Smythe by Hamilton Smythe III and family. Inspired by her love of our church landscape, the family of Katherine Hinds Smythe created this fund in 2018 for the care of our landscaping around the church. We invite you to join the Smythes in preserving and beautifying our landscape by contributing your memorial and other gifts to the Garden Guild Fund. Thank you, Smythe family!
Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church Vision Statement Our Vision is to be a thriving community of hope, belonging, and healing through worship, parish life, and service, and who rejoices in the love of Jesus to transform the world.
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Save these dates for Vacation Bible School 2020 Wed. June 10; Thurs. June 25; Wed. July 8; Wed. July 22
Men’s Thursday Morning Fellowship 7:00-7:45 a.m. All are invited to the Men's Thursday Morning Fellowship, an evolving conversation about spiritual growth, faith and doubt, current events and concerns, intellectual stimulation, and thoughtful living in a fast world. This relaxed but lively fellowship gathers in the first floor Lounge. Breakfast snacks and coffee provided. To sign up or for more information, contact Doug (Doug.Duncan at wolfrivercap.com) or Ollie+ (orencher@gracestlukes.org).
Wednesday Lunch Fellowship, March 25 Introducing The Cornerstone Society: Planned Giving Ministry at Grace-St. Luke’s with Chapman Morrow and Hallie Peyton GSL is the special and dynamic place it is today because of the work and generosity of both The Cornerstone Society past and present members of the parish. Join Stewardship Associate Chapman Morrow and GSL member and financial services professional Hallie Peyton for a program about our new planned giving program and how you might help to build on “our firm foundation for a lasting tomorrow.” Join us at 12:30-12:55 for lunch, followed by the 1-1:30 p.m. program, with social time beginning at noon. Reservations (deadline noon Mar. 23) may be made online by following the link at www.gracestlukes.org/events/wednesday-lunch or with Abby Huber in the church office at 901-252-6336, ahuber@gracestlukes.org. Planned Giving Ministry at Grace-St. Luke’s
Our April gathering will present “Life in West Tennessee with The Right Reverend Phoebe A. Roaf, Bishop.”
The Heart & Hands Group
meets weekly on Tuesday from 10–12:30 for fellowship, lunch, brief spiritual reflection by the clergy (11:30 a.m.), and to continue their handwork. They knit warm items for our MTAM guests, make pillowcase dresses for the girls in Haiti, and create patchwork palettes for the homeless. With happy hearts and busy hands, they support our pastoral and community needs. Join them in the H&H room, lower level across from the elevator. For more information contact Edith Heller (hrheller3 at comcast.net, 901-481-6124).
GSL Ministry Areas Offering Something For Everyone. In addition to worship, the Vestry and the Clergy-Staff Team invite all able-bodied individuals to identify at least one way to get involved in the sustainability of Grace-St. Luke’s, and have released “Parish Life Ministry Areas” online at www.gracestlukes.org/news/parishlifeministryareas and for pickup in the public spaces. For more about ways to invest in life at GSL, contact Stewardship Associate Chapman Morrow (901-252-6328, cmorrow@gracestlukes.org).
U of M President David Rudd Third Thursday Fellowship Program If you root for the Tigers, even if you didn’t attend The University of Memphis, please join us on March 19 to hear President M. David Rudd discuss his six year tenure and dynamic future plans for the university. Wear your Tiger blue and join us at 6 p.m. to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and dinner with your GSL friends and Dr. Rudd, who is also our Peabody Avenue neighbor, all for only $20. Reservations (deadline noon Mar. 17) may be made online by following the link at www.gracestlukes.org/events/third-thursday or with Abby Huber in the church office at 901-252-6336, ahuber@ gracestlukes.org.
Daytime Book Group Our next discussion is Mar. 12 with The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. This is an open group—no invitation or requirements other than a love of reading. We meet in the Red Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a sack lunch. The group is facilitated by Janie Morris (morrishome1 at bellsouth.net) and Carol Ann Mallory (cam2269 at aol.com). A list of books for upcoming months may be found at www.gracestlukes.org/events/daytime-book-group.
Download the Winter-Spring 2020 Formation Worship and More offerings handout here or pick up a copy in public spaces at GSL. www.gracestlukes.org/sites/549/uploaded/files/winterspring_2020_formation_offerings_.pdf
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Planning Meeting for New Social Justice Ministry Team Members of the parish interested in exploring social justice issues are getting together to plan the new Social Justice Ministry Team on Monday, Mar. 23. The new group will explore our call to wrestle with issues of equity and social change, including racism, sexism, homophobia, and the other stigmas and structures that fuel injustice and exclusion. And we will begin planning ways we might be bridges to healing and inclusion. If this kind of work interests you, please join us for this kickoff discussion. Social Justice Ministry Team Planning Meeting Monday, March 23, 6 p.m. Peete Room If you have questions or want to let us know you are interested, contact Jennie Vandeveer (jsvandeveer at yahoo.com), Paula Barnes (pbarnes31 at comcast.net), or Stinson Liles (stinsonliles at gmail.com).
Realm Connect for GSL A MEMBER MINISTRY TOOL FOR EVERYONE! Why do i need a Realm account?
DIRECTORY: Access our secure member directory anytime. (Realm replaces the previous Shelby WebView directory). GROUP COMMUNICATIONS: Groups, committees, and others will stay in touch through Realm. CONTRIBUTIONS: Your complete contributions and pledge information is available in Realm.
Does my partner need a separate login?
YES. Each member should have their own account so you are connected with your own groups and events and are able to update your individual profile.
Will my partner see my contributions information?
IT DEPENDS… If you pledge together, both you and your spouse will see the same information. If you pledge separately, contributions information is only visible to the individual.
Do i need the app?
NO. The Realm app is very convenient, but you can always use Realm on the web.
We can help you!
Abby Huber, General Assistance, 252-6336, ahuber@gracestlukes.org Chapman Morrow, Membership, 252-6328, cmorrow@gracestlukes.org Lucy Owens, General Assistance, 252-6333, lowens@gracestlukes.org Linda Stine, Contributions, 252-6324, lstine@gracestlukes.org
A Message from the Senior Warden Thursday – February 27, 2020 Dear Fellow Parishioners, This is a continuation of the Vestry’s plan to share some of the highlights associated with life at GSL, especially as so many rich and exciting things are taking place at every turn. Many joined us for the February 18th requiem service for former organist-choirmaster, Wesley Emerson, to show appreciation for his faithful commitment to GSL. Wesley was truly inspirational and courageous despite his health challenges over the years. The well-attended Luna Nova concert on February 13, a series that he helped to pioneer, was dedicated in his memory. A big thanks goes to the Finance Committee, Treasurer Bev Trojan, Parish Administrator Linda Stine, and Father Ollie Rencher, who worked hard on one of the least fun projects: developing a budget! At the February Vestry meeting, we adopted a budget that involves some belt-tightening in a few areas, but enables us to continue the same commitments to three priests, guest speakers, programs for all ages, music, fellowship, and outreach. We are grateful for the pledges received, including many substantially increased ones, to support the entire parish, and also are seeking 100% pledge participation from all households. Every pledge will help to sustain life at GSL. Father Ollie reports that his search for an associate rector is underway to have a new priest in place by July when most viable prospects would be available to begin. His Search Advisory Team of Mike Davis, Jane Morse, Kurt Patton, Charlie Pazar, Beth Perkins, Virginia Rowland, and I will meet finalists in the Spring. He and we remain grateful for Interim Associate Rector, the Rev. Anne Carriere, Curate, the Rev. Meredith Day, the staff, and all who share in operating the parish. Please join us for the many formation and fellowship offerings as well as regular worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays and help us to continue our welcoming and vibrant ministry. If we can assist your journey at GSL in any way, contact me or a member of the clergy-staff team. Faithfully Simon Wadsworth Senior Warden, on behalf of the Vestry 901-674-6831 | srcw at icloud.com
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Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and School Present a Retreat for Parents and Educators Wholehearted Parenting: Raising Compassionate, Resilient Children in Beloved Community Sunday, March 29, noon-4 p.m. Grace-St. Luke’s School Library 250 Lemaster Street, Anchor Center Online Registration: www.tinyurl.com/WholeheartedParenting
Sunday, March 29, noon to 4 p.m., Dr. Susan Campbell will offer an extraordinary retreat for Grace-St. Luke’s, Memphis parents of youth and children, and educators. Reservations are required and childcare is available. Earlier on this day, Grace-St. Luke’s Church Parish Hall Forum, 9:15-10:10 a.m., presents “Building Compassion and Resilience in Beloved Community: A Conversation with Dr. Susan Campbell on the Methodologies of Dr. Brené Brown.” Retreat online registration of $15 includes lunch and refreshments: www.tinyurl.com/WholeheartedParenting. The registration form also includes details regarding childcare. For more information, contact Receptionist and Ministry Associate Abby Huber (ahuber@gracestlukes.org, 901-252-6336) Overview and Objectives for Retreat Participants To truly “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves” as the Episcopal Baptismal Covenant affirms, we must first see and love ourselves as God does. This highly experiential workshop is based in Dr. Brené Brown’s two decades of research on courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. The program goals for the retreat with Dr. Susan Campbell are to build understanding around the importance of engaging vulnerability if we are truly to connect with each other, to convey the relationship between self-compassion and empathy, and to share strategies for raising compassionate, resilient children. Specifically, participants will: (1) Understand how values clarification is essential to practicing courage and to the development of resilience; (2) Identify values they wish to cultivate in their children, and the behaviors that align with those values; (3) Understand the components of self-compassion and empathy, and their inextricable link; (4) Recognize the ways that authenticity and acknowledgement of imperfection builds connection; (5) Understand the relationship between vulnerability and courage; (6) Recognize the valuable role that risk and failure play in developing confident, resilient children; (7) Understand the distinctions between shame, guilt and other self-conscious emotions; (8) Learn to recognize behaviors that are consistent with shame; (9) Learn key predictors of resilience and ways to cultivate them as we grow healthy, compassionate children within the support of a beloved community.
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About Dr. Susan Campbell Susan K. Campbell, PhD, is a psychologist, certified Daring Way™ and Dare to Lead™ facilitator, and fellow Episcopalian from Charlotte, North Carolina. The conversation will focus on the call to love our neighbors as ourselves, and on the links between self-awareness, self-compassion, resilience, and our ability to care for others. The focus is on us as adults, and how important it is to show up confidently and full of grace as the people God created us to be, and to be generous with others as they do the same. If you have enjoyed or heard of Brené Brown, Dr. Campbell is certified according to Brown’s experiential methodologies and gifted in offering inspiration. Dr. Susan Campbell, who is married and has two daughters, is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience in academic, legal, medical, and non-profit settings, including spaces that serve the welfare and promote the prosperity of children, youth, and families. Susan delivers workshops and coaching sessions in Daring Greatly™, Rising Strong™, and Dare to Lead™ - highly experiential methodologies based in the research of Dr. Brené Brown. She is an accomplished and engaging speaker, well-versed in the literature on compassion and resilience. She also has decades of experience helping people and organizations apply that research in practical ways that deepen and enhance their personal and professional lives. Dr. Campbell has extensive experience in non-profit leadership and the facilitation of multidisciplinary teams. She has coordinated the development of interagency protocols and led groups through vision and strategy development and implementation. She also has a particular interest in strengthening communities by working with non-profits, clergy and faith organizations that are cultivating courage, compassion, and cultures of belonging. Dr. Campbell lives in Charlotte, where she operates a private psychology and coaching practice, is an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church where Father Ollie Rencher served as rector before coming to GSL, and has been very involved in Charlotte’s Trinity Episcopal School where her husband currently serves on the faculty and one of her daughters has attended.
Christian Formation Download the Winter-Spring 2020 Formation Worship and More offerings handout here or pick up a copy in public spaces at GSL www.gracestlukes.org/sites/549/uploaded/files/winterspring_2020_formation_offerings_.pdf
ADULTS
YOUTH (beginning at 9:15 a.m.)
www.gracestlukes.org/youth-formation
Wednesday Evenings
www.gracestlukes.org/midweek-evenings/ Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World (Henri J. M. Nouwen) March 4, 11, 18, 25 | Four-week Book Study & Conversation Facilitators: Anne Ayres, The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher; Location: Peete Room Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m. (fellowship/refreshments 6-6:15) Registration requested online (tinyurl.com/GSLLifeoftheBeloved) or call Parish House Receptionist & Ministry Associate, Abby Huber (901-272-7425) Purchase book from local bookseller or online Sunday Mornings Parish Hall Forum (beginning at 9:15 a.m.)
www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-morning
Mar 1 – Reconciliation: Love As The Most Powerful Force Of Change In The World with The Rev. Becca Stevens Mar 8 – The Sacrament of Reconciliation: No Future Without Forgiveness with The Rev. Meredith Jane Day Mar 15 – Conversation with the Clergy Mar 22 – Reconciliation: Lynching Sites Project Memphis with John Ashworth, Executive Director Mar 29 – Reconciliation: Building Compassion and Resilience in Beloved Community: A Conversation with Dr. Susan Campbell on the Methodologies of Dr. Brené Brown
Rite 13 for Middle School 6th – 8th Grade Location: Red Room, Youth Space J2A for High School 9th – 12th Grade Location: Room 212 (adjacent McClure Hall)
CHILDREN (beginning at 9:15 a.m.) www.gracestlukes.org/sunday-school
Nursery for Infants through Kindergarteners Infant Room (Newborn–Walking) Toddler Room (Walking–Potty Training) Little Lambs Room (Potty Training–Atrium Ready) Location: Church Nursery with the Nursery Staff. Children may be picked up in the Nursery prior to Communion, or at the conclusion of the service. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium I: 3–6 yrs: Pre-K, JK & SK; Location: Green Room Atrium II: 6–9 yrs: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade; Location: Purple Room Catechesis children are encouraged to stay in their atria during the 10:30 service. After the Peace, we will process as a group into the sanctuary, and children will join their families in the pew. Project Purpose 4th & 5th Grade (9:15-10:15 a.m.); Yellow Rm
Following the 10:30 service: Children’s Activity Table (All Ages) Donuts and kid-friendly fun during Coffee Hour after the 10:30 a.m. service. Location: Trezevant Hall.
Outreach Ministry Food Pantry Facts by Juan Fuentes Our thanks to Boy Scout Troop 34 who collected food and toiletries and delivered their donation to the GSL Food Pantry on Feb. 8, Scout Sunday. Our thanks to all the parishioners and friends who help us with food and financial donations. Mark your calendars! Food Pantry Sunday is March 29, the last Sunday of March. We ask you to bring tuna, dried milk, toiletries, hygiene products, and toilet paper. Volunteers are always needed! To volunteer, call Juan Fuentes at 901-849-7033 or email juanjf7777 at aol.com. “Thus says the LORD: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.” – Jeremiah 22:3 Outreach continued on next page
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Our “MIFA Guys” Continue GSL Meals on Wheels Legacy This is the second in a series of Messenger articles highlighting GSL parishioners serving our community as volunteers with nonprofit organizations. If you know of a parishioner whose volunteer work can be featured in a future article, please email James Drummond at drummondjamesf at gmail.com.
When asked about what they find rewarding about their ministry, the MIFA Guys cited the group’s camaraderie, the importance of staying active in retirement, and their desire to assist members of our community with limited means. They unanimously agreed that the genuine gratitude that the meal recipients express when receiving their food touches each of them deeply and is the aspect of their volunteer work that motivates them the most. Their visits to some meal recipients may be the only contact with another person that the recipients have for extended periods of time. The relationships they have developed with the recipients has made volunteering for Meals on Wheels a truly satisfying experience for our MIFA Guys. MIFA, which receives a GSL Outreach Grant each year, has openings for volunteers in the Meals on Wheels program as well as other opportunities to serve. For information on volunteering for MIFA, contact Linda Marks at lmarks at mifa.org. The GSL Outreach Team's liaison to MIFA is Bill Pichette at picwill at rocketmail.com. James Drummond GSL Outreach Team
Carrying on a GSL tradition, GSL parishioners Buddy Adams, John Dillard, Walker Hays, and Barney Rolfes deliver food and fellowship as volunteers for the Metropolitan InterFaith Association’s Meals on Wheels Program. The late Shep Tate along with Paul Boyd, Carlisle Page, Sr. and Bill Halliday were the original “MIFA Guys” who recruited other GSL parishioners to follow in their footsteps. The current MIFA Guys” crew has been involved with Meals on Wheels since the mid-2000s. Meals on Wheels relies on volunteers to distribute nutritious food to those in need, primarily senior citizens with modest fixed incomes. Buddy, John, Barney, and Walker serve residents in the South Memphis neighborhoods near Lemoyne Owen College, an area that includes no less than 16 churches. They deliver meals on Monday mornings in teams of two with each team “on duty” every other month. MIFA supplies the meals and the teams use their personal vehicles to deliver the food to recipients in single family dwellings as well as apartments. All of the GSL MIFA Guys have lived in Memphis their entire lives with the exception of stints at college or in the armed forces. Buddy has been a GSL parishioner since 1982 while John and Walker are lifelong members of the GSL community. Barney joined GSL in 1978.
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Mid-South Sober Living
Mid-South Sober Living, a GSL Outreach grant recipient, provides transitional housing and support services for individuals who are starting on the road to recovery from addiction. Their program is unique and successful. On Friday, Mar. 20, MSSL will sponsor its 2020 Canvas Art Auction at the Memphis Botanical Gardens. The event begins at 6 p.m. and tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. In addition to an opportunity to obtain works by Memphis artists, event participants will be able to sample hours d’oeuvres and sparkling drinks prepared by noted chef Mac Edwards. There will also be a cash bar. For information on how to obtain tickets contact Walter Williams at wwilliams at midsouthsoberliving.org or call 901355-5960.
Church Athletics
EYC News and Events
GSL Church Baseball Skill Assessment
March Schedule
It's baseball time and to get the season started we are having our annual Skill Assessment which is part of the baseball registration process. This is not a tryout, but simply a way to more evenly divide the teams. The Skill Assessment is for 1st–4th graders who are registered to play baseball and softball. There is NO Skill Assessment for t-ball & 3rd/4th boys. Who: All 1st–4th grade girls and 1st–2nd grade boys who are registered for GSL baseball and softball. This is a required part of the registration process; all players need to attend. When: March 21 1st and 2nd Grade Boys, 10–11:30 a.m. 1st and 2nd Grade Girls, 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. 3rd and 4th Grade Girls, 1–2:15 p.m. INDIVIDUAL player evaluation times will be emailed. Ten minutes will be allotted for each player assessment. Rain Date: TBA Where: GSL Snowden Field (2233 Harbert Avenue) What: Players will rotate through several stations, to include: --Catching --Throwing --Fielding --Batting --Pitching Pitching will be incorporated during the assessment (3rd/4th only). Players: Please be on time so you can get signed in and warmed up. Have your child come dressed and ready to play. Bring your glove (bat if you like) along with your enthusiasm, love of the game, and let's have some fun! Questions: Contact Christi Authement (901-825-7353 or cauthement@gracestlukes.org or), GSL Church athletic director.
A BIG THANKS to the 2019-2020 Basketball Coaches
We are so grateful to have you as coaches and hope to see you back next season! Basketball coaches are as follows: David Johnson, Lang Whitaker, Ryan Gibbs, Andy High, Paul Gomez, Chirag Chauhan, Jason Callahan, Anna Vergos, Ariel Laws, Scott Woodmansee, Zach Pretzer, Alan Schwager, Reggie Williams, Mallory Perry, Zach Moore, Paul Hagerman, Will Hudson, Bruce Williams, Alec McLean and Jace Barger.
Every Sunday in March: Rite 13 & J2A Formation 9:15-10:10 Mar 1 Middle School EYC 4-5:30; High School EYC 5-7 Mar 3 High School Prayer Breakfast 7-8 a.m., Ugly Mug Mar 4 Middle School Biscuits & Bible 6:45-7:45, Red Room Mar 8 No EYC Mar 10 High School Prayer Breakfast 7-8 a.m., Ugly Mug Mar 11 Middle School Biscuits & Bible 6:45-7:45, Red Room Mar 15 Middle School EYC 4-5:30; High School EYC 5-7 Mar 17 High School Prayer Breakfast 7-8 a.m., Ugly Mug Mar 18 Middle School Biscuits & Bible 6:45-7:45, Red Room Mar 22 Middle School EYC 4-5:30; High School EYC 5-7 Mar 24 High School Prayer Breakfast 7-8 a.m., Ugly Mug Mar 25 Middle School Biscuits & Bible 6:45-7:45, Red Room Mar 29 Middle School EYC 4-5:30; High School EYC 5-7 Mar 31 High School Prayer Breakfast 7-8 a.m., Ugly Mug Serving 901: All rising 6-8th graders are invited to join Church of the Holy Communion, Grace-St. Luke's, and Calvary Episcopal Church on a summer service trip in Memphis! The Service Trip is July 6-9, 2020. Our time will be spent serving, playing, and worshipping right here in Memphis. We do not have unlimited space for this service trip and encourage you to register and pay a $100 deposit by Mar. 15 to secure your spot. Registration is first come, first served. For further info and to register, click here: https://tinyurl.com/serving901. Serving 504: All rising 9-12th graders, along with graduating seniors, are invited to join the Church of the Holy Communion, Grace-St. Luke's, and Calvary Episcopal Church on a summer mission trip to New Orleans! The trip begin on Sunday, May 31, after church and we will arrive back in Memphis on June 4. We will spend a week serving, playing, and worshipping in New Orleans. The cost of this Service Trip will be $350, which includes transportation, lodging, and meals. We do not have unlimited space for this service trip and encourage you to register and pay a $100 deposit by Mar. 15 to secure your spot. Registration is first come, first served. For further info and registration, click here: https://tinyurl.com/Serving504.
Grace-St. Luke's Happeners February 14-16, 2020
The Messenger | February 2020| 9
Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School News
SummerFest Registration Now Open: SummerFest 2020 has lots of exciting programs this year! Register now before classes fill up! To view the SummerFest program book and to register, click https://www.gslschool.org/student-life/summerfest. Questions? Email Emily Merrell (emerrell at gslschool.org). 2020-21 Enrollment Continues! Enrollment continues at GSL as we head into the spring season. Families are encouraged to apply soon, as many classes will be full before summer gets here. For a tour, or for more information, call Enrollment Director Shelly McGuire at 901278-0200. Anchor Auction tickets are on sale now! Save the date of April 3 for the best GSL party of the year, and save time by buying your tickets now. The best food, music, art and auction with all of your favorite people and to support the place we all love. Click https://gslschool.formstack.com/forms/auctiontickets20 to purchase your tickets. If you want to volunteer, sponsor or donate an item, contact co-chairs Anna Vergos Blair, Sara Burnett or Cynthia Saatkamp today through the school office at 901-278-0200. And be sure to follow our event on the GSL Facebook page to see sneak peeks at everything the night will have to offer. See you at the Children's Museum!
Fun @ GSL!
Middle School (above): Each seventh grade student is researching a famous Memphian and writing a paper about the person's impact on the history of Memphis. Students recently visited the Memphis History room at Benjamin Hooks Central Library to help with their research. Preschool (left): Preschool Outdoor Classroom Lower School (below): "Maker Lab" Brrr! It’s cold outside! Senior Kindergarten put on their engineer hats and designed snowplows using recycled materials in this STEAM activity. After reading Pete the Cat Snow Daze, students discussed the important features of snowplows and watched videos of them in action. After this research, the students constructed their own snowplows and even tested them out on Insta Snow. Boy are they ready for a real snow day.
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Memorials & Honoraria Memorials • John Ayres from Patti Newsom • Jean Warren Nichols and Thomas Waddell Nichols for altar flowers on January 12 by Adam Shaw, Penny, and Sophie Register Honoraria • Lucius McGehee from Angie Keesee • Murray McKay and Dana Hawkins from Antoinette Cheney, Edith and Bob Heller, and Burkley Allen
Looking Towards Sunday Revised Common Lectionary Track 1 Year A Mar 1 Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 Psalm 32 Mar 8 Genesis 12:1-4a Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17 Psalm 121 Mar 15 Exodus 17:1-7 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42 Psalm 95 Mar 22 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Psalm 23 Mar 29 Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 Psalm 130 www.gracestlukes.org/discover/this-sundays-texts The link above is access to Sunday lectionary readings online where you may reflect and pray with them at any time. Also offered are an overview, scripture backgrounds, a reflection, and prayer starter to enhance your worship experience.
Holy Baptism Schedule Baptisms at GSL—Future Dates: The sacrament of Holy Baptism is administered at various times throughout each year: four occasions on the church year calendar according to The Book of Common The Great Vigil of Easter-April 11, The Day of Pentecost-May 31, All Saints’ Sunday-Nov. 1, Prayer (The Baptism of our Lord-Jan. 10, 2021), plus one or two additional dates. To schedule a baptism, contact Chapman Morrow (901252-6328, cmorrow@gracestlukes.org).
Altar Flowers & Eucharistic Supplies Grace-St. Luke’s provides two meaningful ways to remember loved ones during worship services: altar flowers and Eucharistic supplies given in their memory or honor. Flowers are $215 per Sunday, which one or more persons may share in giving, and Eucharistic supplies (wafers, wine, candle oil) are $25 per Sunday. To explore and make payments to reserve available dates, including dates that may hold significance and have been reserved by you in the past, contact Parish Administrator Linda Stine (lstine@gracestlukes.org, 901-252-6324).
Membership News Transfers in • Wayne Brafford from St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Memphis • Lucy and Terry Leitzell from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brunswick, Maine • Susanna, Neil, and Ellis Weston from Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis Transfers out • Constance Lynn Hughes to First Church United Methodist, Port Orange, Florida • Valerie Marlowe to Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Catherine Grace Durbin to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Little Rock, Arkansas Birth • Charles Davenport Burress, son of Meg and Austin Burress, February 16 Death • Ben Wesley Emerson, February 7, 2020 Marriage • Dana Hawkins and Murray McKay, February 1 • Callie Wallace and Keaton Vann, February 22
Liturgical Ministers Schedule The liturgical ministers schedule for the month may be found at: www.gracestlukes.org/weeklyteams. It includes acolytes, LEMs, lectors, vergers, bread bakers, altar guild, Crossmen breakfast cooks, and clergy for Sunday mornings and special services.
Privacy Policy & Photo Opt-Out Form
Grace-St. Luke's privacy policy and photo opt-out form may be found on the GSL website at www.gracestlukes.org/privacy-policy.
The Messenger | February 2020| 11
Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church 1720 Peabody Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38104-6124 901-272-7425, 901-272-9833 (fax)
The Messenger of Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church (USPS 778-900)-published monthly by Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38104. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, (901) 272-7425, email gsl@gracestlukes.org. Lucy Owens, Editor.
gsl@gracestlukes.org, www.gracestlukes.org
Grace-St. Luke's Church benefits from financial gifts to support our life and ministries: visit www.gracestlukes.org/onlinegiving.
POSTMASTER: Please do not hold. Dated Material. Lenten Resources
Calendar
(available for pickup in public spaces) Signs of Life Reader: This reader serves as an introduction to Signs of Life, inviting individuals or groups to explore Light, Water, Food, Shelter, and Community through homilies, meditations, and reflection questions. It is our hope that this reader will be a resource for your spiritual life and prepare you for participation in Signs of Life. For more info, visit www.signsoflife.org. 2020 Lenten Meditations from Episcopal Relief and Development: This booklet invites daily reflection on the spiritual, physical and emotional lives of children—and our role in nurturing their growth. Produced by Episcopal Relief & Development in partnership with authors of Grow Christians. For more info, visit www.episcopalrelief.org/church-in-action/church-campaigns/lent. Calvary Lenten Preaching and Waffle Shop: Pick up a copy of the preaching schedule at the hallway information center and available online at calvarymemphis.org/learn/lenten-preaching-series/
Lost and Found
Dear friends of lost items: Take a look in the credenza in the entryway (outside the reception office). Found items are located in the top left drawar and bottom cabinets. If it is a smaller item, like a piece of jewelry, contact Abby Huber (901-252-6336 or ahuber@gracestlukes.org).
Diocesan eCommunicator
The Diocesan enewsletter has a fresh new look. Be sure to sign up so you don’t miss any of the awesome things going in our diocese. The subscribe link is http://eepurl.com/bi3C5. It comes out every Wednesday and is always full of wonderful diocesan news and events open to all.
Highlights Mar 15 Mar 19 Mar 23 Mar 24 Mar 25 Mar 29 Mar 29 Apr 5 Apr 8 Apr 9 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 26
Mar 1 Becca Stevens in the Parish Hall Forum, Preaching at 8 & 10:30 a.m. Mar 12 Daytime Book Group April Messenger Deadline Third Thursday Fellowship Social Justice Team Meeting Vestry Meeting Wednesday Lunch Fellowship Food Pantry Sunday Susan Campbell in the Parish Hall Forum and Wholehearted Parenting Retreat Palm Sunday Holy Wednesday Maundy Thursday Good Friday Easter Vigil Easter Day Evensong with Eucharist
Calendar Online www.gracestlukes.org/events